overturn a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overturn a decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of reversing or invalidating a previous decision or ruling, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "The appellate court decided to overturn a decision made by the lower court, citing procedural errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono intervened decisively to overturn a decision by immigration authorities to bar the American terrorism expert Sidney Jones from entering the country, thus quickly ending what was a growing international embarrassment to his fledgling democratic government.

The New York Times

Naturally, the court has every right to overturn a decision in any particular case.

The Economist

"I find it rather staggering that the minister can overturn a decision by the parole board.

The Guardian

The ruling was the first by an appeals court to overturn a decision, in a habeas-corpus lawsuit, that a Guantánamo detainee must be released.

The New York Times

A bigger jolt to the City could follow if the European Central Bank tries to overturn a decision allowing firms outside the eurozone to handle large euro transactions.

The Guardian - Business

Controversial paediatrician Dr David Southall today lost a high court battle to overturn a decision to strike him off the medical register for serious professional misconduct.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It thus overturned a decision it took in the spring, before the BP oil spill.

The Economist

Yesterday, the Court of Appeals upheld the ruling, overturning a decision by the Appellate Division.

The New York Times

The court said it overturned a decision by the supervisory board of Bulgaria's privatization agency.

The New York Times

The court overturned a decision by the International Association of Athletics Federations that Pistorius's carbon-fiber prosthetics gave him an unfair advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

The Supreme Court rules in favor of a white firefighter in a "reverse discrimination" case, overturning a decision made by Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overturn a decision" when you want to emphasize the reversal of a formal ruling or judgment, often by a higher authority or through legal means.

Common error

Avoid using "overturn a decision" in informal contexts where simpler terms like "change" or "reverse" might be more appropriate. This phrase carries a formal tone and is best suited for legal, political, or official settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overturn a decision" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the action of reversing or invalidating a previous judgment or ruling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overturn a decision" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, signifying the reversal or invalidation of a prior judgment or ruling. It is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, often appearing in reports on legal, political, or official proceedings. While the phrase maintains a formal register, it is essential to use it judiciously, reserving it for scenarios where the reversal of a ruling by a competent authority is intended. Alternatives such as "reverse a ruling" or "rescind a judgment" offer nuanced substitutions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reverse a ruling

Focuses on the act of reversing a formal judgment or decree.

set aside a judgment

Highlights the act of reversing or vacating a court's ruling.

rescind a judgment

Emphasizes the cancellation or revocation of a court's decision.

revoke an order

Highlights the cancellation of a command or directive.

repeal a law

Specifically refers to the annulment of a legislative act.

invalidate a verdict

Indicates that a jury's finding is declared void or without legal force.

nullify a resolution

Emphasizes rendering a formal decision or expression of opinion without legal force or effect.

quash a conviction

Refers to setting aside a guilty verdict.

void an agreement

Focuses on canceling or nullifying a contract or pact.

reverse course

Implies a change in strategy or direction.

FAQs

What does "overturn a decision" mean?

To "overturn a decision" means to reverse or invalidate a previous ruling or judgment, often by a higher authority or through legal processes. It implies that the original decision is no longer valid.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "overturn a decision"?

The phrase "overturn a decision" is appropriate in formal contexts such as legal proceedings, political discussions, or official reports where you need to convey the reversal of a previous ruling.

What are some alternatives to "overturn a decision"?

Alternatives to "overturn a decision" include "reverse a ruling", "rescind a judgment", "revoke an order", or "invalidate a verdict", depending on the specific context.

How does "overturn a decision" differ from "reverse a decision"?

While both phrases indicate the reversal of a prior ruling, "overturn a decision" often implies a more formal or authoritative process, such as a court's action. "Reverse a decision" ("reverse a decision") can be used in broader contexts where a change of direction or policy occurs.